Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ripe plantains caramelized in olive oil with a touch of cinnamon, creating a sweet and savory side dish. This cuban-inspired holiday ready in about 25 minutes pairs ripe plantains, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Cuban cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 peeled and sliced ripe plantains (cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds) in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized, flipping once.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring to coat. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and the plantains are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Sautéed Plantains?

Cuban holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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